Types of Injuries and Surgeries From a Trip and Fall Accident

Trip and fall accidents are among the most common causes of serious injuries in New York, and they can occur anywhere—from poorly maintained sidewalks and streets to hotels, subways, and other hazardous indoor environments. While some injuries may heal with rest and minor medical treatment, others can require significant surgical intervention. Below, we explore the various types of injuries and surgeries that victims of trip and fall accidents may experience. If you or a loved one has been seriously hurt in a trip and fall accident in NYC, contact Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C., to speak with an experienced and dedicated New York trip and fall accident lawyer.

1. Torn Ligaments and Arthroscopic Surgery

One of the most common injuries from a trip and fall is ligament damage, particularly in the knee or ankle. Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that connect bones to each other and provide stability to joints. A trip and fall accident can result in a partial or complete tear of these ligaments, especially when the body twists awkwardly during the fall.

• Symptoms: Pain, swelling, instability in the joint, and difficulty bearing weight.

• Treatment: In less severe cases, treatment may involve rest, ice, compression, and physical therapy. However, complete tears often require surgery.

• Surgical Procedure: Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure commonly used to repair torn ligaments. Surgeons make small incisions and insert a camera (arthroscope) to visualize and repair the damage. This type of surgery is frequently used for torn anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) or lateral ligaments in the ankle.

2. Torn Tendons and Tendon Repair

Tendons connect muscles to bones, and a sudden impact from a trip and fall can cause them to tear, particularly in the Achilles tendon or rotator cuff (shoulder). Tendon tears can severely limit mobility and strength in the affected area.

• Symptoms: Pain, weakness, swelling, and a snapping or popping sensation at the time of injury.

• Treatment: Depending on the severity of the tear, treatment can range from immobilization and physical therapy to surgical intervention.

• Surgical Procedure: Tendon repair surgery involves reattaching the torn tendon to the bone or stitching torn ends together. In severe cases, a tendon graft may be required to replace the damaged tissue. Post-surgery physical therapy is essential for regaining a full range of motion and strength.

3. Fractures and Surgical Repairs

Fractures are another common result of trip and fall accidents, especially in the arms, wrists, hips, and ankles, as people instinctively try to catch themselves during a fall. Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, different surgical interventions may be required.

• Closed Reduction: If the bone is fractured but not displaced, doctors may perform a closed reduction, where they manually realign the bone without surgery and use a cast or brace to keep the bone stable while it heals.

• Pinning: For fractures that require additional stability but do not necessitate an invasive procedure, surgeons may use pins or screws to hold the bone in place. This is often the case for wrist and ankle fractures.

• Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF): When the fracture is more complex, such as a displaced or comminuted fracture (where the bone is shattered into several pieces), an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) may be necessary. In this procedure, the surgeon realigns the bones through an incision and secures them with metal plates, screws, or rods to ensure proper healing.

4. Head Injuries and Neurological Surgery

Trip and fall accidents can lead to serious head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). In severe cases, a fall victim may experience a subdural hematoma, where blood collects on the brain’s surface, potentially leading to life-threatening pressure on the brain.

• Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and loss of consciousness. In severe cases, seizures, weakness, or cognitive impairment may occur.

• Treatment: Mild head injuries may require rest and monitoring, while more severe cases could necessitate neurological surgery.

• Surgical Procedure: If there is significant bleeding or swelling in the brain, a surgeon may perform a craniotomy to relieve pressure by removing part of the skull. In other cases, minimally invasive procedures such as burr hole drainage may be used to remove blood clots.

5. Spinal Injuries and Spine Surgery

Spinal injuries from trip and fall accidents can range from herniated discs to spinal fractures, which can lead to chronic pain and, in extreme cases, paralysis. These injuries can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

• Symptoms: Back pain, numbness, tingling, weakness in the limbs, and in severe cases, loss of bowel or bladder control.

• Treatment: Conservative treatment for minor spinal injuries may involve physical therapy, pain management, and rest. However, significant injuries may require surgery.

• Surgical Procedure: Spinal fusion is a common surgical treatment for severe spinal injuries, where two or more vertebrae are fused together to stabilize the spine. Another option is a laminectomy, which involves removing part of the vertebra to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

Contact Injury Attorney Leandros A. Vrionedes After a Trip and Fall Accident in New York City

Trip and fall accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which require complex surgical procedures. If you or a loved one has been injured in a trip and fall accident in New York, seeking prompt medical attention and effective legal representation is crucial. At Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C., we understand the challenges that come with recovering from serious injuries. Our experienced personal injury legal team is here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us today at 212-889-9362 for a free consultation to discuss your case.